Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's women's soccer midfielder, Justina Gaynor, has been recognized with First Team Scholar All-America honors by the United Soccer Coaches. This announcement was made on Thursday.

Gaynor, hailing from Shelby Township, Michigan, becomes the second Spartan to receive multiple Scholar All-America accolades from the organization. She follows in the footsteps of former MSU goalkeeper Lauren Kozal. Previously, Gaynor was named a Third Team Scholar All-American in 2022. Her latest recognition marks her as the seventh Spartan to be honored as a United Soccer Coaches All-American and contributes to MSU's ninth overall selection.

She joins an elite group of Spartans who have been named First Team Scholar All-Americans, including Kozal (2021-22), Lauren DeBeau (2022), and Andrea Sied (2003).

In addition to this accolade, Gaynor received several academic honors this season. Earlier this month, she was named a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American for the second time after maintaining a 4.0 GPA while pursuing her master's degree in Sport Coaching, Leadership and Administration. Throughout her academic career, she has earned titles such as four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, two-time CSC Academic All-American, and two-time United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American.

On the field during 2024, Gaynor achieved 16 points through five goals and led her team with six assists. Notably, all five goals were game winners. She also earned First Team All-Big Ten honors for the third time in her career and secured United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-America honors this season.

Gaynor is one of eight representatives from the Big Ten on this year's Scholar All-America teams.